VA Form 21-22: Appointing an Accredited Representative
Form 21-22 vs. 21-22a — the difference
- — appoints an accredited (VFW, DAV, American Legion, and dozens of others). VSO services are free by law; no VSO may charge a for representation.
- — appoints an individual or attorney. Agents and attorneys may not charge for initial claims but may charge reasonable fees on appeals under 38 CFR § 14.636.
How to find an accredited representative
VA maintains a public directory of every accredited , claims agent, and attorney at /get-help-from-accredited-representative/find-rep/. Only accredited representatives can be appointed on the 21-22 or 21-22a and only accredited representatives may prepare, present, or prosecute a VA under 38 CFR § 14.629.
How to file the form
- Have the representative complete their portion (name, organization, address).
- Sign in the 's section — the veteran's signature authorizes representation and record access.
- Submit through the representative — most VSOs and agents file it electronically for you.
- Alternatively, upload at or mail to the Evidence Intake Center in Janesville, WI.
Changing or revoking representation
You can change representation at any time by filing a new 21-22 or 21-22a with the new representative. The most recent form on file controls. To revoke without appointing a new representative, notify VA in writing.
Disclaimer
Educational and informational content only — not legal or medical advice. Oakridge Claims is a private, independent business and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Representation is provided by a VA- in accordance with 38 C.F.R. § 14.636. Outcomes depend on individual facts; no specific result is guaranteed.
Where these claims break down
- ×Signing a form for someone who is not on VA's accredited list — the appointment will be rejected.
- ×Assuming appointing one VSO limits you — you can change representation any time.
- ×Confusing 21-22 (VSO, always free) with 21-22a (agent/attorney, may charge on appeals).
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Tools & Topics
Have questions about your specific case?
Every veteran's facts are different. A free initial consultation with a VA-Accredited Claims Agent can tell you whether your matter is a fit for representation — and what the right next step looks like either way.
Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. No guarantees of outcomes are made. Each claim is decided on its individual facts.
Related guides
VA Form 21-22a — Appointing an Accredited Agent or Attorney
What VA Form 21-22a does, how it differs from 21-22 (VSO), revoking a prior representative, and how the separate fee agreement works.
How to Write a Buddy Statement for VA Disability
Structure, tone, and content elements of a persuasive buddy statement (VA Form 21-10210) — what to include, what VA typically discounts, and how a writer can describe first-hand observations honestly and in their own words.
VA Form 21-0995: Supplemental Claim Guide
Line-by-line walkthrough of VA Form 21-0995 (Supplemental Claim) — when to use it, what qualifies as 'new and relevant' evidence, and the one-year effective-date protection.
VA Form 21-0996: Higher-Level Review Guide
How to file a Higher-Level Review with VA Form 21-0996 — the 'duty to assist' error argument, informal conference option, and when HLR is the wrong tool.